The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is reaching its most interesting stages. And with more than half of the Group Stage matches over with, all teams have their eyes on the coveted top 2 of both Groups A and B, which grant teams a spot in the all-important Semi-Finals. While Group B is turning out mostly as expected, Group A has a story of its own with its climax all set to happen tomorrow, on 13th October when India takes on their long-time rivals Australia.
While this rivalry has been on the rise for a long time now in the Women’s game, it has always been big in the Men’s game. Just last year the Men’s team won the ODI WC Finals in India against Australia sparking animosity between players and fans alike. Similarly, in the Women’s sport, Australia has always had an edge over the Indian women’s contingent when it comes to cricket.
And this time around, it’s not just bragging rights that are on the line. Due to India’s poor result against New Zealand, the Indian Women’s team find themselves in a very rough spot with their Semi Final Qualification chances already looking slim. With New Zealand being the favourites to win all of their remaining matches in the Group Stage they are being touted to join Australia as the top 2 of Group A.
And the only way India can hope to sneak in is if they were to beat Australia. And not just beat the 6-time World T20 Women’s Champions, but also beat them by a big margin which would help with the Net Run Rate, furthering India’s chances of qualifying for the semis over New Zealand. Is it finally revenge time for India for the loss they faced in the semi-final of the last WT20 World Cup?
With Megan Schutt firing on all cylinders for Australia, with Beth Mooney looking tenacious with the bat in hand, it feels like Harmanpreet and co. have no chance of qualifying for the Semis. But if there is one team that can pull off a surprise result at the last moment, it is India. So can India do the impossible and qualify for the ICC WT20 WC Semi Finals on Sunday? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.
